VILLAGE OF LONG GROVE
Long Grove Plan Commission

December 7, 2004 Meeting Minutes

                                                                                                                                          

 

Chairman Present:  Fred Phillips.

 

Commissioners Present:  Eduardo Acuna,  Joseph Di Iorio, Nicholas Fasano, Robert Jenkins, Lisa Phillips and Karen Schultheis.

 

Commissioner Absent:  Michael Dvorak.

 

Also Present:  Village Attorney Julie Tappendorf and Village Planner Edmond Cage.

 

1.           Call to Order

       Chairman Phillips called the meeting to order at 8:02 p.m.

 

2.           Approval of the November 2, 2004 Draft Meeting Minutes.

Commissioner Nicholas Fasano motioned to move the review of the previous meeting minutes to the end of the meeting agenda, seconded by Commissioner Lisa Phillips. Ayes, all.  Nays, none.  Motion carried.

 

3.                  Subdivision Plat Amendment to Remove Restricted Area Language from the Creekside Subdivision Plat, Located at 6759 Tribal Court, Submitted by Pietro & Rita D’Ascenzi.

Peter Wifler, attorney for D’Ascenzi, proposed that the language “restricted area” on the Creekside Subdivision Plat for lot 29, 6759 Tribal Court be removed.  The Conservancy Scenic Corridor Committee had already reviewed this information prior to the Plan Commission meeting.

 

Village Planner Cage responded that the Village files do not indicate what restricted area means.  The Conservancy Scenic Corridor Committee was not successful in finding out what the purpose was in making that portion of the property a restricted area.

 

Village Attorney Tappendorf stated Village has not found any information or records to state what the restricted area was for.  There was no note on the plat indicating such a restriction.

 

Peter Wifler stated plats 19 and 20 were changed under similar circumstances to lot 29.

 

Resident Bobbie O’Reilly noted that the original plat does not show lots 19, 20 or 29 as having restrictions on them and that the restrictions must have been added at a later date.  Other lots had restrictions because of a lake and creek in the area.  Lot 19’s home was built on what was the restricted area.  There is a pond on that lot.  Storm Water Management shows some wetlands on Lot 29 property.

Resident Richard Bertsche who owns lot 28, remarked that the wetlands area is depicted as very small on the map while in reality a much larger portion of that area is always wet.  A lot of water and drainage goes through that area.

 

Commissioner Lisa Phillips questioned if Storm Water Management has been contacted to actually look at the property and address the wetlands.

 

Peter Wifler stated that the property owners are seeking an easement for ingress and egress through the wetland area.  The owners do not intend to build in that wetland area and therefore they would not be disturbing the wetlands.  Manhard Engineering produced a wetland delineation in April 2004 and this was reviewed by the CSCC in August 2004.

 

Village Engineer Joe Chiczewski asked if septic tests were ever conducted on this property?

 

Barbara Turner asked if any soil analysis was conducted?

 

Village Planner Cage commented that because the restricted definition is unclear, the protection of wetland and drainage should be important in making a decision.

 

Commissioner Lisa Phillips asked if a title search had been conducted.  Peter Wifler responded he did not know if a title search had been done recently.

 

Village Attorney Tappendorf replied a title search can be done.  The search should show restricted area.  Peter Wifler noted the title search will not define restricted areas.

 

Commissioner Fasano questioned whether Storm Water Management knows anything or if other agencies would be able to determine if there is a reason for the restricted area.

 

Village Attorney Tappendorf said that the restricted area is shown clearly on the plat.

 

Mr. Bertsche commented that when adjacent properties are affected it should be a courtesy or requirement to be posted for public hearing.  Village Planner Cage responded that this request does not require a public hearing but it is noticed at a public meeting to the newspapers and that it is also posted on the Village website and prior notice is given to the Home Owner’s Association.

 

Dave Hembd, a surveyor for the Lake County Health Department stated that there were no laws on wetlands until 1989.  He commented that the soil on the property is probably hydraulic (wet soil).

 

Bobbie O’Reilly stated that at one time there was a restricted area on her property but that the restriction was removed.  There was an error on the plat.  The septic tank was placed where restricted area had been indicated.

 

Commissioner Fasano suggested getting agencies to write letters stating removal of restriction will not affect usage of property.  Resident O’Reilly asked who is going to define the restricted terminology?

 

Mr. Bertsche suggested finding out why line was there or have letters to substantiate the line.

 

Village Attorney Tappendorf stated the easement is governed by Lake County Storm Water Management.

 

Resident Tony Dean advised that a title search should be completed and that the Village should notify the agencies with an interest, pending title search, that we are going to remove restricted area unless agencies object.  Peter Wifler answered that he would be willing to draw up letters to send to agencies.

 

Commissioner Lisa Phillips suggested a title search be done and the Lake County Health Department be contacted.  Peter Wifler agreed that a title search should be conducted, letters should be sent to Storm Water Management and the Lake County Health Department.  The letters should be sent from a Village Representative and on Village letterhead.

 

Village Engineer Chiczewski indicated more details are needed with regard to drainage issues.

 

Commissioner Lisa Phillips motioned to continue the issue to the next available Plan Commission meeting to address the title search and the letters to Lake County, seconded by Commissioner Di Iorio, all ayes, no nays.  Motion passed.

 

4.                  Minor Plat Amendment for HBD Joint Venture (Hummel) to Reflect a Change in Sanitary Sewer Location within The Indian Creek Club Subdivision.

Village Planner Cage outlined that a sanitary sewer located in the Indian Creek Club Subdivision had been illegally installed within a wetland.  The petition was to relocate the sewer outside of the wetland and the affected land will be returned to its original status.  This was a mitigation project that the Village supported to correct an original mistake on the developers part.

 

Commissioner Fasano made a motion to recommend approval of a minor amendment to reflect a change in the sanitary sewer location within the Indian Creek Club Subdivision with reference to the plans submitted by Precision Land Surveyors, Inc.  Commissioner Schultheis seconded the motion.  Ayes, all.  Nays, none.  Commissioner Di Iorio abstained. motion carried. 

 

5.                  Public Hearing Regarding the Purpose of Considering a Request to Amend the Long Grove Zoning Map, Amend the Long Grove Zoning Code, Grant a Special Use Permit, Grant Approval of a Planned Development, and any other Zoning Relief Necessary to Allow the Construction and Operation of  Menard’s Store and other Commercial Buildings on the Property Located at the Northeast Corner of Lake Cook Road and Hicks Road (approximately 36 acres), submitted by Lake Cook, LLC.

The Public hearing was opened to discuss text and map amendment.

 

Village Planner Cage explained that a proposal was presented to the Village of Long Grove to build a Menards store and outlot buildings.  The petitioner has asked that the property be rezoned commercial.

In order to consider the proposal, it would be necessary to amend the zoning map since the property being considered is not a commercial zoning district.  This public hearing is to address the rezoning of the property to create a new commercial zoning district in Long Grove. 

 

Village Attorney Tappendorf added that it is the intent of the Village to draft a new zoning district to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, not less than 20 acres and no special permit for open space and parks.  The proposed development would include home improvement stores, retail stores and restaurants.  The development would be two stories in height with a perimeter yard of 30 feet.  A public sanitary sewer would be included in the plan.  All landscaping plans would be approved by the Village.  The parking requirements would be the same as the B2 zoning district.

 

Commissioner Di Iorio asked how the 35-feet height is measured.  Village Attorney Tappendorf responded that the height may need to be modified.  Menards is intending to be taller than 35-feet.  B1 zoning would mean a 30-foot height restriction; B2 zoning heights varies depending on use. 

 

Commissioner Lisa Phillips asked if sign would be included in height.  Village Attorney Tappendorf responded that the sign is part of the principal structure and would be included in the height.

 

Commissioner Acuna asked if permeable materials could be used.  He voiced concern about the effects on drainage.  He also questioned if gas stations would be part of the development.  Village Attorney Tappendorf replied that all aspects of the development would need to be approved by the Village.

 

Commissioner Acuna questioned if there would be enough flow within the parking lot at this location?

 

Commissioner Lisa Phillips voiced concern about impervious setback.  Would zoning district apply to other areas of the Village?  Commissioner Lisa Phillips would like to see setback number increased. 

 

Commissioner Fasano added he would like impervious setback addressed.  He would like the new zoning district to be specific to Lake Cook area.  The Route 53 and 83 location can be a different zoning district.

 

Commissioner Jenkins stated his concerns.  He believes there should be two separate sections.  Lighting and building heights are factors to consider.

 

Commissioner Schultheis concerned about how to keep commercial buildings away from residents.  She approves of open-ended uses and not specific.

 

Resident O’Farrell (6600 RFD), could not understand adding more traffic to the area was a good idea, especially the time of day the stores will open – prime time for rush hour traffic.  Chairman Fred Phillips responded that traffic engineers will be assessing the area and traffic lights and extra lanes will be necessary.

 

Village Attorney Tappendorf asked several questions: 

        1. Do we include the Routes 53/83 area and include this as a text amendment? 

        2.  Will the perimeter yard be applied to whole area? 

        3.  What would be the impervious surface limit be?

 

Resident Don Robinson (2541 RFD), wondered if the Village doesn’t approve Menard’s plan would they be likely to locate in another community and, if so, would Village have any control over situation?  Village Planner Cage said that was a possibility and that the property would include both the Menards and six outlots.

 

Commissioner Fasano made a motion to close the public hearing on the text amendment and map amendment, Commissioner Jenkins seconded the motion.  Ayes, all.  Nays, none, motion carried. 

 

The Public hearing was then formally opened by Chairman Fred Phillips to discuss special use permit.  He swore in all those members in the audience who were going to speak during the public hearing.

 

Paul Shadle with Piper Rudnick, summarized the Menard’s proposal.  The Menard’s store would be a total of 162,000 sq. ft., with an additional 42,000 sq. ft. of commercial space on the six outlots.  Nine acres would be set aside as open space and recreational.  Proposal is consistent with Comprehensive Plan objectives.

 

Theron Berg, the representative for Menards, gave brief overview on Menard’s company.  Menard’s is privately-held, family owned.  There are 200 stores in nine Midwestern states.  The hours of operation for all stores are 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Typically there are 20-25 deliveries made during regular business hours mostly 7a.m. to 10 a.m.  Trips by public services (police, fire, etc.) are approximately 1 or 2 per month.

 

Mr. Berg indicated that the first year revenue for the proposed Menard’s is projected to be $40 million with an increase of 7% per year thereafter.  The real estate taxes generated would be about $300,000 per year.  There would also be sales tax generated by the Menard’s store and the outlots.  The outlots would include 3 multi-use generating approximately $15 million year one and 3 restaurants generating approximately $9 million year one in projected sales.

 

Mark Kurensky, the architect for Menard’s indicated that the development was designed to aesthetically fit into Long Grove.  There would be two types of access – visual and physical.  The outlots would be in character with Long Grove including color, size, materials and style.  There would be service access at the north end of the site.  The plan would include small buildings measuring 5,500, 6,500 and 8,000 sq. ft. with Menard’s behind them.  Building A would be a 1 story building, 6,500 sq. ft., 31 ft. high with shingles, siding, 1 or multi-tenant, traditional colors and 4-sided architecture.  Building B would be 5,500 sq. ft., brick with sloping roof, 1 or multi-tenant, and 4-sided architecture.  Building C would be 9,600 sq. ft.  The proposed Menard’s building would be approximately 41-feet high.  The buildings would be set randomly.  A storm water retention pond would be added and would act as a buffer between stores and Hicks Road.  Two proposed pylon signs would be installed on the property.

 

Tracey Richard from Manhard Consulting, added there would be two retention basins to catch storm water.  He indicated there would be far less water to leave site than currently happening.  Sanitary service would consist of pumping by force from a main up north.  Water service would consist of a well on the property for domestic use.  There would also be service for fire protection.

 

Louea Aboona a traffic engineer working on behalf of Menards, explained that Hicks Road is serviced by IDOT while Lake Cook road belongs to Lake County.  A traffic study was done to determine traffic patterns.  Heaviest traffic is weekday evenings and Saturday afternoons.  Saturday traffic is 30% less than on weekday.  He proposed to widen the north approach of Hicks and add two left turn lanes. 

 

Village Planner Cage indicated there would be traffic lights, a 5-lane improvement at the southern entrance and a 3-lane improvement at the northern entrance.  Menard’s would be responsible for the installation of the landscaping.

 

Commissioner Di Iorio asked how much traffic would there be from the north compared to the south.  Mr. Aboona indicated that according to his estimations, traffic on Hicks Road would increase by about 5%.

 

Commissioner Lisa Phillips indicated she would like to see a right in and right out onto Lake Cook Road.  She voiced concern about delivery traffic as well as the costs for emergency services.  Input from the Long Grove Fire District would be important.  Who could recommend private security services?  Commissioner Lisa Phillips also was concerned about the uses for the property; what would/would not be acceptable.  Recreation access from Old Hicks Road is also a concern.  Would the sewer line go up Old 53 or Hicks?  Commissioner Lisa Phillips also asked for details on the financial feasibility of this project and questioned having traffic access only from Old Hicks Road/Route 53 and no traffic access from Lake Cook Road.

 

Commissioner Fasano’s concerns included: 

 

        1. The impact on the property to the north;

        2. The architecture on Hicks side of the proposed Menard’s store;

        3. The parking lot lighting;

        4. Restricting uses on the outlots;

        5. The right of way off of Lake Cook Road;

        6. Easy and safe accessibility for trucks.

 

Commissioner Jenkins stated that the architecture used on the front of the building should extend to all sides of buildings.  He voiced concern over the safety Geimer’s entrance.  Could parking lot be illuminated with lights lower than 30’?

 

Commissioner Schultheis’ concerns were related to security and traffic.  Because people loiter near soccer fields, policing would need to be addressed.  Would subdivision become a cut-through?

 

Commissioner Lisa Phillips asked if bushes could be replaced with trees like at Bannockburn Green.  Commissioner Acuna wondered if evergreens would be more appropriate.

 

Chairman Fred Phillips opened the public hearing to the public for comment.

 

Resident Barbara Turner asked if there was wetland mitigation.  Tracey Richard answered that all wetland  mitigation would be off-site.

 

Resident Susan O’Farrell voiced concern over heavy traffic.

 

Village Planner Cage and Village Attorney Tappendorf will maintain a list of issues for Menard’s to address for the next Plan Commission meeting.

 

Commissioner Acuna motioned to continue the issue to the next available Plan Commission meeting on January 4, 2005, seconded by Commissioner Fasano, all ayes, no nays.  Motion passed.

 

6.                  Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act and the Discussion of How the Village of Long Grove can Effectively Comply with the Requirements of this Act.

Village Attorney Tappendorf suggested discussion on this topic be brought up at a special January 2005 meeting.  Commissioner Lisa Phillips made a motion to schedule a special meeting on January 18, 2005 for the purpose of discussing affordable housing, seconded by Commissioner Di Iorio.  Ayes all.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

 

7.     Plan Commission Scheduled Meeting Dates for 2005.

Chairman Fred Phillips indicated he will be unable to attend February 1 Plan Commission meeting.  Commissioner Fasano volunteered to be Chairman Pro-Tem for February 1 meeting if so decided.

Commissioner Acuna motioned to accept Plan Commission scheduled meeting dates for 2005 with changes, seconded by Commissioner Schultheis.  Ayes all.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

 

8.        Plan Commission Scheduled Member Attendance for 2005 Village Board Meetings.

Chairman Fred Phillips volunteered to fill in on any Village Board meeting a Plan Commissioner cannot attend.  Commissioner Acuna motioned to accept Plan Commission member attendance for 2005 Village board meetings, seconded by Commissioner Lisa Phillips.  Ayes all.  Nays none.  Motion carried.

 

9.        Approval of the November 2, 2004 Draft Meeting Minutes.

Lisa Phillips and Robert Jenkins made some changes to page 2, page 4 and page 6.  Commissioner Di Iorio motioned to accept the minutes with the noted changes, second by Commissioner Schultheis, all ayes, no nays.  Motion passed.

 

10.    Adjournment:  Next Regular Meeting, Tuesday, January 4, 2005, at 8:00 pm

Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Di Iorio, seconded by Commissioner Acuna,  Ayes, all.  Nays, none.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 11:55 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted by,

 

 

Sherry Shlagman, Administrative Assistant

Village of Long Grove